Vital Villa Summer Interview: James06

From birth because of my father and family before him. First game I remember was a 0-0 draw with Huddersfield in what is now the championship: circa 1986.

Q: The season just gone, good bad or ugly? What did you think of it?

Good, very good infact, in my opinion. Some memorable games that will stay with me for life, two trips to Wembley, and European football to look forward to next season. Expectations from some fans seem high, but in my 25 years as a regular: last season is one of the best, achievement-wise.

Q: Best and worst moment of last season?

Plenty of good ones to pick from, the semi final win over Blackburn and the way we did it was amazing, and beating the old enemy home and away, again, is something I`ll never get bored of.

Worst moment: Wilfred Bouma saying his goodbyes.

Q: James Milner... is he off do you think? If so, what price (realistically) should Villa hold out for? If off to Man City, which - if any - of their players would you want in exchange?

In truth, and as much as I like Milner I think it could really work for Villa if he went. I think Stephen Ireland is a great player and would slot into Milner`s boots well, Joe Hart would be a very worthwhile capture too if we could negotiate him into the deal.

Q: What signings (type of player or specific name/s if you wish) would you like to see Villa buy this summer?

Obviously goal scoring is important and we need a marksman. I`m confident that Gabby can produce but he`s still got plenty to learn and maybe needs to play a bit part at times. I also think Delfouneso will be a star, and because of this I`d happily have someone like Robbie Keane or Michael Owen come in just to take some pressure off and help their progression. I think we need a goalkeeper and we should get Joe Hart. He`s a brilliant young English keeper who could be at Villa for a decade or more and would be a good investment.

Q: Where do you stand on Martin O'Neill (I don't mean literally, that would be assault) ?

I really like him. He`s classy and well respected across the game; I think we are lucky to have him at Aston Villa. When you look at other managers, many of them have charisma and wit, many of them are brash and outspoken etc… and O`Neil for me is above these because of his traditional style, respect and the overall personality he portrays. Villa nowadays don`t deal in tack, be it with sponsors, kit, stadium etc…and at risk of gloating or patronising, I really admire how the board come across and the club oozes quality that runs deep and I`m proud to feel a part of, and I do think O`Neil epitomises this. Obviously his continued success helps too!

Q: Your opinion of Randy and the board?

As above really, they`ve quickly removed the tackiness that was associated with the Ellis era, whilst investing season upon season into the playing staff. Maybe unnecessarily compared to some fans, but the little things mean a lot to me. I love the small changes to Ellis` Holte that make such a difference to the overall quality, I love the pub and the Acorns partnership, and the importance based on tradition and history. All this coupled with Lerner`s modesty make him an owner to be proud of. I wouldn`t swap him for Arab or Russian billions and immediate success; I prefer the concise, sustainable style of our slightly worse off yank.

Q: Favourite current player and favourite all time player/sI like Cuellar. I think there is a catalyst for my admiration in that other fans moan at him. He`s our best centre half I think, and best defender by some distance. Most of the top clubs nowadays have three centre half style solid defenders playing in the back four as is necessary in the modern game. Naïve fans tend to think less of whoever gets shoved out to full back and it can be to the players` detriment (Jamie Carragher has been criticised, Wes Brown has fallen out of favour etc…). But credit where it`s due, Cuellar`s versatility and attitude are to be admired, he`s faultless in the air and sticks to his man like glue. He has his faults going forward but he`ll put it in where it hurts at the back, and seems to save us from conceding otherwise certain goals, several times a game.

As for all time: McGrath is still top dog, I`m not sure he`ll ever be surpassed. The rose tinted glasses I wear for him have, through time, now distinguished all the bad games he had, the own goals he scored, or when he didn`t turn up. I now only ever remember him being truly amazing, which of course he was?!

Q: Do you expect progress next season, difficult to answer before the transfer window closes I know?

I expect consolidation on our current achievement. I think it will be difficult to maintain the achievements of this season next time. Other clubs are investing and will improve and it`s difficult enough to maintain a level, never mind progressing. Some silverware would be nice and I`d happily drop a place or two in the table for a Europa League or domestic cup win.

Q: Right, lets lower the tone... which celebrity would you most like to bang and which (male I would think) celeb would you most like to thump!?!

If I really have to then I think I could bring myself to spend a romantic evening with Cheryl Tweedy/Cole.

I`d most like to thump Amanda Holden. I know she`s technically a woman but I`d happily smash every bone in her face, after what she did to Les (Dennis) and to now be parading about like Princess Di, it`s shameful. I wish she really had been burnt to death in Wild at Heart.

Comments

Good read that James. Interesting to hear your views and comments, which in a lot of ways, are very similar to my own. We do however have very different views on Carlos Cuellar, but hey, thats what this great game is all about.